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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
Has some interesting twists and turns... one unexpected plot twist became the running joke of my vacation. I can't say what because it's a spoiler. This book is an exploration of sibling and parental relationships (which are often sour above ground, imagine then what it would be like all locked up in a bunker). Also a clever take on the feasibility (or not) of living in a sealed underground bunker. Tips: Make sure you have enough grow bulbs and that your animal feed and flour aren't laced with rat poison...
Eli and his family have lived in the underground Compound for six years. The world they knew is gone, and they've become accustomed to their new life. Accustomed, but not happy. For Eli, no amount of luxury can stifle the dull routine of living in the same place, with only his two sisters, only his father and mother, doing the same thing day after day after day. As problems with their carefully planned existence threaten to destroy their sanctuary--and their sanity--Eli can't help but wonder if he'd rather take his chances outside. Eli's father built the Compound to keep them safe. But are they really safe?
This is a book for pre-teens and teenagers but this 51 year old reader also found it perfectly enjoyable. If you've read the Wool trilogy by Hugh Howey, this book is very similar; or if you like this book, you would probably really like to read Wool by Hugh Howey. I was able to read this fairly quickly, it's a "fluff" piece of fiction, not a literary work of art that's going to turn up on any Pulitzer prize list anytime soon, but it is good for an afternoon or two. My only gripe with it is the major plot hole that emerges about halfway through the book, big enough to drive a Mack truck through, which I can't reveal here for spoiler reasons.
The story is told from the 3rd person limited POV of Eli, a teenager living in a bunker buried in the Earth somewhere in the western part of the United States. Part of the story is told through the use of flashbacks. The setting is entirely in the bunker. The plot moves along at a good clip. There are only about five characters so no huge character list to have to remember. The chapters are relatively short and I was able to read this book in about 2 evenings. There is no alcohol or substance use. There are no sex scenes. There is no real violence. My only complaint with this book is the major plothole as mentioned previously, which has to do with "The Supplements" and it is for this reason I am giving this book four stars.
This is a book for pre-teens and teenagers but this 51 year old reader also found it perfectly enjoyable. If you've read the Wool trilogy by Hugh Howey, this book is very similar; or if you like this book, you would probably really like to read Wool by Hugh Howey. I was able to read this fairly quickly, it's a "fluff" piece of fiction, not a literary work of art that's going to turn up on any Pulitzer prize list anytime soon, but it is good for an afternoon or two. My only gripe with it is the major plot hole that emerges about halfway through the book, big enough to drive a Mack truck through, which I can't reveal here for spoiler reasons.
The story is told from the 3rd person limited POV of Eli, a teenager living in a bunker buried in the Earth somewhere in the western part of the United States. Part of the story is told through the use of flashbacks. The setting is entirely in the bunker. The plot moves along at a good clip. There are only about five characters so no huge character list to have to remember. The chapters are relatively short and I was able to read this book in about 2 evenings. There is no alcohol or substance use. There are no sex scenes. There is no real violence. My only complaint with this book is the major plothole as mentioned previously, which has to do with "The Supplements" and it is for this reason I am giving this book four stars.
Finally! A new young adult book that has a clever premise and is well-written. Highly recommended.
This has been on my TBR for probably over 5 years now. I am a lover of Dystopian novels but this isn't exactly what I thought it was.... I can't say too much why due to spoilers.
Regardless, I finished this book in one sitting and really enjoyed it. I wish there was a little more description of the characters because it was hard to differentiate between some of them.
Regardless, I finished this book in one sitting and really enjoyed it. I wish there was a little more description of the characters because it was hard to differentiate between some of them.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was torn between 3 and 4 stars. The first two-thirds of the book was 4 stars. It had great world building and decent character development. However, I do wish there had been a bit more explanation for the characters weird ticks. I loved the description of the compound. But the book sank down to 3 stars for the last third because it felt rushed. The main character has a problem that seems almost impossible to solve and then POOF within a page they've figured it out. That happened over and over right up to the end of the book. I would have liked a bit more struggle and suspense and feeling that the situation is hopeless. That way you really feel the characters have accomplished something major when they solve the mystery. The author set the scene so well I would have liked more time to enjoy it.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No